Change with Ecological Awareness: Young People from Across Europe Gathered in Alcobendas

The Erasmus+ KA152 Youth Exchange project "Change with Ecological Awareness" (Project No. 2025-3-ES02-KA152-YOU-000368105) was implemented in Alcobendas, Spain, from 29 March to 4 April 2026, under the coordination of Asociación Green Eurosanse. Bringing together young participants from Spain, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Hungary, and Estonia, the project aimed to increase environmental awareness, encourage sustainable lifestyles, and empower young people to take an active role in addressing today's environmental challenges through non-formal education and international cooperation.

As environmental challenges continue to become more visible around the world, the role of young people in building a sustainable future is becoming increasingly important. Throughout the exchange, participants from diverse cultural backgrounds engaged in a wide range of educational and interactive activities designed to promote environmentally friendly lifestyles while developing shared solutions to sustainability challenges.

The project focused on current environmental topics such as zero waste, ecological footprint, water footprint, and sustainable urban living. Participants examined the environmental impact of their daily habits and explored practical ways to adopt more responsible consumption patterns. Through workshops, simulations, and collaborative exercises, they not only gained theoretical knowledge but also developed innovative and creative solutions to environmental issues.

During the "Zero Waste Kit Design" activity, participants created environmentally friendly products using recyclable materials. They also collaborated on a "Zero Waste Manifesto," expressing their commitment to responsible consumption and sustainable living through a collective declaration. By calculating their ecological footprints, participants reflected on how everyday choices influence the environment and identified concrete actions to reduce their ecological impact.

One of the key themes of the project was sustainable urban living. Through group work and creative design workshops, participants developed their own models of future green cities featuring renewable energy solutions, expanded green spaces, environmentally friendly transportation systems, and sustainable public spaces. These activities encouraged young people to think critically about how cities can become more resilient and environmentally responsible.

Water conservation was another important topic addressed throughout the exchange. Workshops and presentations focusing on the water footprint helped participants understand hidden water consumption behind everyday products and explore the global challenges related to drought, water scarcity, and equitable access to water resources. These discussions highlighted the importance of individual responsibility and collective action in protecting one of the planet's most valuable resources.

Beyond environmental education, the project placed a strong emphasis on intercultural learning and European cooperation. Young people exchanged experiences, shared different perspectives on environmental challenges, and strengthened their communication, teamwork, leadership, and active citizenship skills. Living and learning together also fostered lasting international friendships and partnerships among participants.

At the conclusion of the project, participants created social media campaigns, short videos, blog articles, and informative visual materials to disseminate the knowledge and experiences gained during the youth exchange. These dissemination activities ensured that the project's impact extended beyond the participants themselves, inspiring their local communities to adopt more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.

The "Change with Ecological Awareness" project successfully demonstrated that environmental education, intercultural dialogue, and active youth participation can work together to create meaningful change. In line with the values of the Erasmus+ Programme, the project empowered young people with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to become active contributors to a greener, more sustainable future.